gymnastics demos – are they worth it?

When I was a kid we did dozens of displays every year. Football games, shopping malls, anywhere that would let us set up equipment.

I loved them. Especially the tramp and mini-tramp shows.

Later, as a coach, I began to tire of transporting the equipment. Bemoan the wear and tear on the equipment. Finally — I decided to exit the world of gymnastics displays.

We still sent club kids to demo. But usually the precompetitive “cute” kids with young coaches and simple, safe equipment.

In 2006 I feel that gymnastics displays are not the best way to build membership. “Bring a Friend Day” works better.

But if you do choose to do displays, at least do something original.

Setting up a Tumbl Trak makes for a brilliant show. Safety straps on a horizontal bar even better.

former World Championships competitor Rhett Stinson

Taiso Gymnastics in Saskatoon, Canada even set up rings in a public park.

Somebody has to fix the sign atop the ring tower.

More photos of this 2002 gymnastics display – Warren Long